See 7 investment platforms flagged as Ponzi scheme by SEC so far in 2025

See 7 investment platforms flagged as Ponzi schemes by SEC so far in 2025

It’s becoming harder for Nigerians to spot genuine investment opportunities from fake ones, as more people are using social media and digital tools for money matters. Many platforms promise quick, huge returns, but often turn out to be scams.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in Nigeria is fighting back. They regularly issue public warnings, run campaigns to teach people about safe investing, and take action against illegal operators. However, these scamming platforms keep popping up, often looking like real businesses or tech companies, and target regular Nigerians hoping to improve their finances.

So far this year, the SEC has flagged seven more investment platforms as illegal Ponzi schemes. Some, like CBEX, have already collapsed, while others are still taking money from unsuspecting investors.

Here are the platforms the SEC has warned about this year:

1. Pocket Option (Flagged: July 21, 2025)

   What it claims: An online investment adviser/fund manager.The catch: Operates mostly on social media, promising high profits. The SEC says it’s an unlicensed Ponzi scheme.

2. Forsman & Bodenfors LTD (F&B) (Flagged: July 14, 2025)

   What it claims: A Nigerian branch of a Swedish advertising company.The catch: Promises jobs if you recruit more people and pay fees. The SEC found it’s a pyramid scheme and warned people to stay away.

3. Value Growth Platform (Flagged: June 30, 2025)

   What it claims: Offers market analysis and trading services.The catch: Promises “guaranteed returns” and rewards for referrals. The SEC confirms it’s an unlicensed Ponzi scheme, noting its reliance on referrals and urgent requests for funds.

4. CMTrading (Flagged: June 20, 2025)

5.  

   

   What it claims: Licensed in South Africa and Seychelles.The catch: Uses fake websites of major news outlets (like Punch, BBC) and uses fake videos/pictures of famous Nigerians to lure victims with high-return promises and a referral system. The SEC sees these as clear signs of fraud.

6. Sapphire Scents Limited (Flagged: June 19, 2025)

   What it claims: An Investment Adviser/Fund Manager.The catch: The SEC states it’s completely unregistered and unlicensed to offer any investment services in Nigeria. Investing with them is at your own risk.

7. CBEX (Crypto Bridge Exchange) / ST Technologies International Ltd (Flagged: June 11, 2025)

   What it claims: A digital investment platform that collapsed. It then reappeared as ST Technologies or Smart Treasure.The catch: After trapping funds, it demanded payments from users to process withdrawals. The SEC clearly stated it is unregistered and has taken legal action, working with law enforcement.

8. Punisher Coin ($PUN) (Flagged: June 5, 2025)

   What it claims: A new cryptocurrency (meme coin) being sold before its official launch.The catch: The SEC warned it has no real purpose or project backing. These are prone to “pump and dump” scams where promoters inflate the price then sell, leaving others with worthless tokens. The SEC advised against investing, as it’s at your own risk.

In all these cases, the SEC has made it clear that none of these platforms are authorized to ask for money or offer investment services in Nigeria. They remind the public that just because a company is online or on social media, it doesn’t mean it’s legitimate. Always check if an investment platform is properly registered with the SEC before you put in your money.

Join our WhatsApp community

Join Our Social Media Channels:

WhatsApp: NaijaEyes

Facebook: NaijaEyes

Twitter: NaijaEyes

Instagram: NaijaEyes

TikTok: NaijaEyes

READ THE LATEST CRIME  NEWS